Lifestyle and Leisure
Andrew's top ten Aussie attractions
Andrew Collier takes a trip down memory lane as he recollects his top ten travel highlights
1. Watson's Bay, NSW
A fantastic experience for any Sydneysider, temporary or otherwise. Watson's Bay offers amazing views of the city skyline, and the winning combination of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Made famous by the presence of Doyle's Fish Restaurant; I would personally recommend the cheaper option of the takeaway fish and chips, followed by a long session admiring the view as the sun slowly sets. Truly magical, great fish and chips, and a short walk to the sea on the other side of the bay.
2. Mason's Bay, WA
A place so beautiful, tranquil, and calm, I still think it may have been a mirage after too many hours on the open road. Located off the main highway on the coast between Adelaide and Perth, it is a tiny campsite and a small clearing in the bush that leads down to a beach and the sea. I only spent one night there with my travelling companion and managed to see two dolphins, framed by trees, jumping out of the water as the sun set. Seek it out.
3. Byron Bay, NSW
It was love at first sight after drawing up to the sports bar in a thunderstorm on a balmy summer night in Byron Bay. A place still clinging to its hippy ideals in the face of encroachment from the developers, Byron has great nightlife, a beautiful beach, and Australia's easternmost point, marked by a lighthouse. Go now before it becomes too commercial.
4. Glebe, NSW
My all-time favourite Sydney suburb, Glebe is a small gem surrounded by a modern-day metropolis. Situated within easy walking distance of the CBD, Darling Harbour and on the main bus routes, Glebe is a mixture of chilled out backpacker village and boho retreat for the alternative crowd. The markets are well worth a visit.
5. The Pinnacles, WA
Hire a van and go and marvel at this weird and wonderful collection of small rock formations in their thousands. Make sure you stay for the sunset to experience the dramatic displays of colour from the sun as it sets over the rocks. It may have all been over in a matter of an hour, but my trip to the Pinnacles was an unassuming highlight of the entire West Coast.
6. Daintree Rainforest, QLD
Forget the fact that you will lose two stone in sweat from the intense heat of the rainforest, the Daintree area is home to crocs, snakes, spiders and hostels in the middle of the rainforest. Within easy reach of Cairns and with infinitely more to do, rent a car and get some jungle experience.
7. Prahran, VIC
My favourite Melbourne suburb by far, Prahran has got it all – vintage clothes, independent cinemas, and great nightlife. Situated south of the CBD, Prahran has enough of an alternative edge to set it apart from other suburbs. Long, lazy days were spent walking around the shops, flea markets, and eating in the restaurants, including a Russian vodka restaurant – which served traditional food with many and varied vodkas of all flavours, perfect!
8. Nimbin, NSW
Like Byron, but on a more extreme scale, Nimbin is not for the faint-hearted. The smell of weed clings to the relaxed streets, there are plenty of hemp cafes and we were offered local produce on a regular basis. Aside from this, however, it is surrounded by stunning national park, and on the day I visited had great music and a really friendly vibe. Just don't inhale too much!
9. Sydney Sea Life Centre, NSW
An amazing collection of marine life housed under one complex; the Sea Life Centre was a fantastic day out. Busy, but never crowded, it had sharks aplenty, massive Manta Rays, and those fish that look like Elvis and are of a deep blue colour. I spent far too long in an area where the fish are accompanied by classical music, something so simple, yet so peaceful – it was a personal highlight.
10. The Blue Mountains, NSW
Step back in time and experience the magic of The Blue Mountains. The town of Katoomba is in a 1950's time-warp and is great for pretending you are in a detective crime novel. The Three Sisters are majestic and framed with a blue glow. Go there on the train from Sydney and gaze at the amazing views as the train hugs the cliffs. A great way to escape the city if Sydney gets too much every so often – take some extra money for the old books and charity shop purchases.
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